At an August 30 news conference, Chancellor Kathryn Martin announced measures designed to meet and exceed the recommendations of an audit and internal investigation of the UMD Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The audit was requested in August, 1995, shortly after Martin began her tenure as chancellor at UMD.

The audit found that the lack of accountability within the department had reached a level that put the University's reputation in jeopardy. Action was begun immediately to rectify unacceptable procedures. Chancellor Martin stressed that the situation in no way diminished the excellent academic and athletic record of UMD student athletes.

Patricia Merrier, a professor of Finance and Management Information Sciences and faculty representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is serving as acting athletic director. Bruce McLeod resigned on August 21, after 12 years as athletic director; he began work at UMD in 1969.

Dr. Merrier is working to review audit recommendations, study alternative organizational structures and make recommendations for a new department arrangement to ensure equity and accountable performance. UMD is doing everything necessary to ensure that the UMD athletics program continues to meet the high standards that all alumni and friends expect and deserve.

Dr. Patricia Merrier Appointed Acting Athletic Director

Dr. Patricia Merrier has been appointed acting director of the UMD Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Dr. Merrier is a professor in the Department of Finance and Management Information Science in the UMD School of Business and Economics. She is currently the UMD faculty athletic representative to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the NCAA, and was recently appointed to the NCAA Division II Management Council Transition Team.

On the UMD faculty since 1979, Professor Merrier received her Ph.D. from the University of North Dakota, and her master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

She replaces Bruce McLeod who resigned effective August 21, 1996. A search committee has been established to begin a nation-wide search for a permanent athletic director. A final selection for the post is expected to be made in the spring of 1997.